How does it work?

Lustral contains an antidepressant drug called an SSRI. It increases the amount of a chemical (serotonin) in the brain which is known to be lowered in depression.

When and how do I take it?

Lustral tablets may be taken with or without food.

Take your medication once daily either in the morning or evening.

What’s the dose?

Adults:

Depression and Obssessive Compulsive Disorder:

For depression and OCD, the usual effective dose is 50 mg/day. The daily dose may be increased in 50 mg increments and at intervals of at least one week over a period of weeks. The maximum recommended dose is 200 mg/day.

Could it interact with other tablets?

Taking Lustral together with the following medicines may cause serious side effects:

Medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), like moclobemide (to treat depression) and selegiline (to treat Parkinson’s disease) and the antibiotic linezolid. Do not use Lustral together with MAOIs.

Medicines to treat mental disorders (pimozide). Do not use Lustral together with pimozide.

Talk to your doctor if you are taking the following medicine:

Herbal medicine containing St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). The effects of St. John’s Wort may last for 1-2 weeks. Talk to your doctor.

Other medicines to treat depression (such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline).

Medicines to treat schizophrenia and other mental disorders (such as perphenazine, levomepromazine and olanzapine).

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Nausea is the most common side effect. The side effects depend on the dose and are often transient with continued treatment.

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking this medicine, these symptoms can be serious.

If you develop a severe skin rash that causes blistering (erythema multiforme), (this can affect the mouth and tongue). These may be signs of a condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Your doctor will stop your treatment in these cases.

Allergic reaction or allergy, which may include symptoms such as an itchy skin rash, breathing problems, wheezing, swollen eyelids, face or lips.

If you experience agitation, confusion, diarrhoea, high temperature and blood pressure, excessive sweating and rapid heartbeat. These are symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome. In rare cases this syndrome may occur when you are taking certain medicines at the same time as sertraline. Your doctor may wish to stop your treatment.

If you develop yellow skin and eyes which may mean liver damage.

If you experience depressive symptoms with suicidal ideas.

If you start to get feelings of restlessness and not be able to sit or stand still after you start to take Lustral. You should tell your doctor if you start to feel restless.

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

Lustral cannot be used during pregnancy or while breast feeding. Women of child bearing potential should employ an adequate method of contraception if taking Lustral.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.